Under the new Electoral Act signed into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu after it was forwarded to him by the National Assembly, the use of indirect primaries (delegate system) has been completely abolished as a method for political parties to select their candidates.

The new law clearly states that political parties can no longer use the delegate system to choose candidates. Now, only two official methods remain:

1. Direct Primaries: where every registered party member has the right to vote directly.

2. Consensus: (internal agreement) where the party and aspirants agree on a single candidate, with others stepping down voluntarily.

This new law means that all registered party members now have full voting power in direct primary elections “one member, one vote” instead of limiting that power to selected delegates.

Anambra State House of Assembly has approved the reinstatement of the suspended member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Honourable Bernard Udemezue, following the consideration of his case over alleged unparliamentary conduct.

The decision followed the adoption of the recommendations of the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges chaired by the Majority Leader, Honourable Ikenna Ofodeme.

The committee recommended that the restriction placed on Honourable Udemezue’s allowances be lifted and that he should begin receiving his entitlements from March 2026.

It also recommended that the lawmaker be granted full access to the Assembly complex and allowed to fully participate in the activities of the 8th Assembly.

According to the Majority Leader, Honourable Udemezue submitted a letter of apology addressed to the Speaker, dated 7th November 2025, with reference number ANHA/014/032.

He noted that the apology letter was received within five days of the suspension, and that the lawmaker complied with the terms of the suspension, as he was not seen within the Assembly premises during the three-month period.

The motion for adoption of the committee’s recommendations was moved by the member representing Ogbaru Constituency One, Honourable Noble Igwe, and seconded by the member representing Aguata Constituency Two, Honourable Tony Muobike.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the controversial passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by the National Assembly.

Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

In a post shared via his X handle, Abdullahi said the level of impunity displayed by the ruling party was troubling, warning that it should not be allowed to become “the death of our democracy.”

He alleged that despite having almost all state governors under its control, the APC was still apprehensive about conducting a free and fair election.

According to him, Nigerians would resist any form of tyranny, adding that the country had experienced similar situations in the past.

He said: “With this level of impunity, we pray that the APC does not become the death of our democracy.

“Almost all the governors are in their party, yet they are afraid of a free and fair election. But Nigerians will never surrender to tyranny. We have seen this before.”